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3. Operation Roaring Lion: Iran's Missile Program Takes a Hit

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli Air Force carried out more than 8,500 sorties over Iran as part of a sustained aerial campaign during Operation Roaring Lion.

In total, the Air Force deployed over 18,000 munitions, conducting approximately 10, 800 individual strikes. These attacks targeted a broad network of Iranian military infrastructure, spanning more than 4,000 target and over 6,700 individual components, including launch systems, air defense, and production facilities.

Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities were significantly strained during the 40-day conflict with Israel and the United States, though not fully neutralized.

Over the course of the war, Iran launched approximately 650 ballistic missiles toward Israel. As reported by The Times of Israel, more than half of these missiles carried cluster munition warheads, designed to disperse multiple bomblets over wide areas, increasing their destructive footprint despite limited precision.

The launch tempo was highest at the start of the conflict, with Iran firing around 80 missiles on the first day, 60 on the second, and 30 on the third, before stabilizing at an average of 10 to 20 missiles per day in the following weeks. Despite sustained launches, only a limited number of missiles penetrated defenses, with at least 16 conventional warheads striking populated areas.

Prior to the war, Israeli intelligence estimated that Iran possessed roughly 2,500 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel. According to updated assessments of the IDF, this arsenal has been reduced to approximately 1,000 operational missiles following weeks of sustained strikes.

Launcher capacity was also heavily affected. Israeli assessments indicate that around 60% of Iran’s estimated 470 ballistic missile launchers were destroyed or rendered inoperable. This includes roughly 200 launchers destroyed outright, and an additional 80 neutralized through strikes on underground storage infrastructure such as tunnel entrances.

However, the most consequential impact appears to be on Iran’s production capabilities. According to IDF statements, extensive strikes on military-industrial facilities have severely damaged Iran’s missile manufacturing sector.